Highest Paying Skills and Cities for Application Developers

Sarah White

Application Developers are responsible for creating computer software and software solutions that will suit users needs. As an application developer you will be integral to every stage of the process from development to creation, as well as any future modifications or updates to the software. The goal of an application developer is to create software that help a business work more efficiently and help its employees get their work done seamlessly. You may work on a team of database developers, or individually, and oftentimes application developers oversee computer programmers, or even start out as a computer programmer yourself.

Software development is a growing field, with the BLS predicting a 22 percent increase in jobs by the year 2022, that’s an additional 222,600 jobs. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Some positions may require as much a as a master’s degree, but it will vary by job opening. You will also have to commit to continuing = your education in order to keep up on the changing technology in your field and stay up to date on the latest trends and changes in the industry.

The skills you bring to the table also greatly affect the salary you can expect to make as an application developer. Here are 6 of the highest paying skills for application developers.

JavaScript

JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language and it’s a popular skill for application developers. It’s a language that is generally used when creating interactive media in web browsers, such as videos and other dynamic graphics.

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system used to store and retrieve data when other software applications request information. There are different versions, each focused on different use cases, such as single-machine, Internet applications, and larger networks with multiple users.

Unix is an open source, multitasking, multi user operating system that was invented by AT&T’s Bell Labs in the early 70’s. Since it’s open source its easily customizable and modified to a user’s or organization’s specific needs.

PL/SQL is a procedural language created by Oracle, it stands for Procedural Language/Structure Query Language. It includes a vast number of procedural language elements that are stored in a database that is then used by applications compatible with the Oracle Database programmatic features.

Oracle is a commonly used object-relational database management system created by Oracle Corporation that will run on major platforms such as UNIX, Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. While other database programs exist, Oracle is the most used, making it an important skill for any application developer.

According to PayScale, the average salary for an application developer with Oracle skills is $74,901 with a reported salary range of $54,013 to $120,095 per year. While there isn’t extensive data on which cities pay application developers with Oracle skills the most, experience does affect your salary, and the longer you work in the position, the higher your salary should be. Check out openings on monster to find application developer Oracle jobs in your area and across the country.

Java/J2EE

A Java environment created by Sun for developers, Java/J2EE is one of the highest paying skills for software developers. It’s a platform made up of different services, APIs, and protocols to help developers create web-based applications.

According to PayScale, the average salary for application developers with Java/J2EE skills is $77,046 with a reported range of $50,314 to $113,156 per year. App developers with Java/J2EE skills make the highest average salary in New York, at $105,000 per year. Those working in Houston and Columbus report an average yearly salary of $85,000.